VASSALBORO, Maine — A year after finishing in last place at the Aroostook League championships, the Ashland golf team put together a solid season that culminated with a berth in the Class C state tourney held on Saturday.
Although the Hornets placed ninth out of 10 teams, coach Jordan Beaulier said it was still a successful fall for his young squad.
Graham Berry of Ashland hits the golf ball out of a sand trap during the Aroostook League Championships in September. Berry shot his team’s low round in Saturday’s Class C state championships played at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro. (Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg)
“It was a great year,” Beaulier said. “We won the County championship and it was a full team effort as every kid worked tirelessly and it was extremely impressive to see these kids improve at the rate in which they have.”
The Hornets had last qualified for the state tournament in 2010. They did so by finishing ahead of both Central Aroostook and Hodgdon at the Aroostook League championships held at Portage Hills Country Club Sept. 19.
Ashland compiled 459 strokes as a team on Saturday at Natanis Golf Course. Beaulier said the challenging layout led to some above-average scores for his players. However, Alden Routhier shot this lowest nine-hole score ever, with a 53 on the front nine.
Graham Berry had his team’s low round with a 106. Sean Montpetit carded a 108, Alden Routhier a 115, Tristan Pelletier a 131 and Jack Routhier a 137.
“It was a tough course with faster greens than they had ever played on,” Beaulier said, “but I can’t say enough about how proud I am of these kids.”
Houlton was the team champion with a score of 333. St. Dominic’s and North Yarmouth Academy placed second and third, respectively. Ashland finished ahead of Valley High School of Bingham, which came in with a score of 563.
Beaulier said he is excited about the prospects next year. Since Jack Routhier is the team’s lone senior, four of his five golfers return.
“It was an honor to be their coach and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Beaulier said.
